Three for Thursday 12.5.19
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Can you believe the holidays are nearly here? It's a time to decompress and be with family, but it's also a time when con artists are out to take advantage of your lowered defenses. That's why we created our new TV show, "Holiday Scams."
This program will be airing in cities across the country in December. You can watch it right here in Atlanta on CBS46 Saturday December 14th at 7pm and on Peachtree TV Friday December 20th at 11am.
Watch this Investigation
It seems like Sears, once the Queen Mary of retailing - has become the Titanic. Here's another story of how TrustDALE got involved with a Sears warranty issue because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Here's today's real consumer question: Lauren asks, "I have a friend who's critically ill and desperate for a cure. They want to believe stories of unconventional remedies on the internet. What should I tell her?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's lesson on how to be a savvy consumer: How do I confirm the legitimacy of a product or offer online?
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never give your credit card, bank account number or personal information to a party over the internet you haven't thoroughly checked out.
Funds - Beware of online offers that seem too good to be true.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. This is never truer than with online offers.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Online products can often sell for less because the retailer might have less overhead. Beware however, of discounts of 50% or more. If you can't define the original non-sale price of the product, that "discount" might simply be "bait" for you to bite.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Know that enforcing contracts and guarantees are more difficult with out-of-state companies.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Much like trading with your local merchant, you still want verifiable references, valid reviews and solid reports - from sources like the BBB, before you commit.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. This holds for online companies. The absence of a findable business license is a red flag you should not ignore.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS